Understanding college students’ perceptions regarding mindfulness and social media

Authors

  • Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter Texas Tech University
  • Jason Wrench SUNY - New Paltz
  • Adolfo Garcia SUNY- New Paltz

Keywords:

Communication, Mindfulness, Perception, Self, Sex Differences, Social Media

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate college students’ mindfulness practices with social media. A total of 539 college students were surveyed and reported using varying levels of mindfulness with their social media usage. Two new measures were developed; the Social Media Use scale and Social Media - Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (SM-MAAS). Multiple linear regressions and t-tests were performed. Results revealed (a) women rated higher on Social Media Use versus men, (b) men rated higher on the SM-MAAS versus women, (c) mindful acting with awareness was associated with social media use, (d) mindful acting with awareness, nonreactivity to inner experience, and nonjudging of inner experience were associated with social media use and the SM-MAAS. Discussion points to ways that social media can nurture healthy communication and support from others that enhance positive views of self.

Author Biography

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter, Texas Tech University

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter (Ph.D., Kent State University, 2002) is a professor in the department of communication studies at Texas Tech University. Narissra teaches interpersonal communication, gender, nonverbal, and romantic relationships. She is a protégé of Drs. Rebecca Rubin and Alan Rubin, who are considered two of the most prolific and notable researchers in interpersonal and mass communication respectively. Dr. Punyanunt-Carter 's research interests include romantic relationships, computer-mediated communication, father-daughter communication, and mass media portrayals of romance. She is the recipient of many teaching and research awards. She is a consultant for several book publishers, such as Bedford St. Martin’s, Rowan & Littlefield, Oxford, MCGraw-Hill, and Wadsworth.

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Published

2021-12-30

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2021): The Journal of Social Media in Society

Section

Articles

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